Volume 6: The Meeting of Two Heroes, Chapter 60: Davos's Strategic Plan

Davos continued slowly, saying, “During the landing, soldiers, laborers, supplies… will inevitably be in considerable chaos and lack organization. Dionysius would never dare take the huge risk of landing elsewhere; he can only land at the port of his ally, Locri. Therefore, upon receiving news of the Syracusan attack, the Ministry of Military Affairs can dispatch our Fourth and Fifth Army Corps to quickly reach Caulonia, join the reinforcements from other allied states, and use the narrow terrain of Caulonia and the Lamato River south of Trina to build a strong camp. This will defend against the enemy’s attack, buy time, and await my defeat of the Samnites. Then I will lead the main force back for the decisive battle with Syracuse.

“To facilitate unified command of the Fourth and Fifth Army Corps, I will appoint Lord Philistos as their commander, responsible for the southern campaign.”

The reason Davos chose Philistos was that he was senior in experience and had always been responsible for military affairs, so he could make the stubborn Drakos and the impetuous Epithenis listen to him. However, his personality was not strong enough, and he might sometimes be swayed by his subordinates’ opinions. But there was no other way. Among the military officers, there were those stronger in ability, and even the legion commanders of the Fourth and Fifth were not weak. But either their seniority was similar to Drakos and Epithenis—like Capus and Antonios—or they had lower seniority, like Heilos. If they were hastily put in charge, likely the two legion commanders would not accept it, harming the campaign.

The senators carefully considered Davos’s plan of “defend first, then counterattack.” Most felt it was feasible; after all, they had great confidence in Davos’s military command ability and believed that as long as he commanded the decisive battle against Syracuse, the chances of victory were high. At the same time, they also approved of the candidate Davos proposed for temporarily commanding the southern forces, because Philistos had always been friendly in the Senate and people had a good impression of him. The senators from the army corps also had no objections—Philistos did have ability.

“Then who will take over as Chief Magistrate of Cosentia? Will Philistos hold both positions?” asked Cornelius, since Philistos was still serving as Chief Magistrate of Cosentia.

“Simultaneously serving as Chief Magistrate and military commander”—there was precedent for this. Heilos had served as Chief Magistrate of Asperustum and commander of the Fourth Army Corps after the Second Croton War, as did Bagule of Grumentum.

But Davos said, “The war against Syracuse determines the survival of the Alliance. It is the most important matter and requires full effort! The Chief Magistrate of Cosentia must be replaced by someone else!”

Davos’s gaze swept over the senators. Most of the non-army corps senators showed eagerness, especially the Bruttian senators. It was understandable. The Daonia Alliance now had many cities, but the three most important were: Thurii, the center of the Daonia Alliance; Grumentum, the largest city in Lucania and the northern hub; and Cosentia, the central city of the Bruttian region. Although the rank of Chief Magistrate was the same for every city, the magistrates of these three cities were implicitly superior, and it was also an honor.

Davos naturally understood what the senators were thinking, so he patiently explained, “Considering that once the war with Syracuse begins, the Bruttian region and the Croton Plain will soon become the front lines closest to the battlefield for Daonia. The Chief Magistrates of these areas need to cooperate with the military’s operations and meet their combat needs, such as housing the wounded, providing new recruits, transferring grain and supplies… and so on. Therefore, we need a senator with both administrative experience and knowledge of army corps operations to temporarily—” Davos emphasized the word “temporarily” heavily, not wanting to disappoint some senators too much, “—serve as Chief Magistrate of Cosenza. My suggestion is for Heilos to temporarily take this position.”

Davos’s proposal met no opposition. Heilos’s outstanding performance in his post at Asperustum was evident to all. Only Petalus, Kaduruk, and others looked disappointed. Moreover, since Polyxides and others had been put on trial, the number of senators opposing Davos’s proposals had greatly decreased, so it was approved.

At this, the newly appointed Heilos asked, “Lord Chief Magistrate, if I go to take up my post in Cosentia, who will take over my current job?”

“Lord Hieronymus, I hope you can temporarily take on the role of quartermaster.” Military affairs were decided by Davos alone, and others could not interfere. Davos had already thought of the candidate, since war was about to begin, military training would naturally stop.

“All right,” Hieronymus replied softly.

Though he did not express himself passionately, Davos was reassured. He knew Hieronymus—unlike Drakos, who was stubbornly focused only on commanding, Hieronymus was taciturn but diligent and reliable. As long as given respect and space to use his abilities, he could quietly do an excellent job.

But considering this was a major war, the pressure on quartermaster logistics would be enormous. Davos still wanted to find him an assistant: “Mesis, you need to assist Hieronymus more!”

Mesis immediately complained, “I can’t even handle my own responsibilities. So many cities’ finances and taxes…” Facing Davos’s silent, direct gaze, his voice gradually faded. Then he shrugged helplessly and said, “All right, all right, I’ll do my best.”

Davos then asked, “Lord Hieronymus, how many army corps reserve soldiers are there in Thurii and Amendolara in total?”

“Approximately twenty thousand two hundred men.” Hieronymus was very dedicated to his duties and answered without hesitation.

Davos nodded, then looked at everyone and said loudly, “Gentlemen, I propose to establish two reserve army corps in Thurii. Once the great war breaks out, these two corps can defend our city and also deal with emergencies.”

“I have no objection,” said Kynogoratas.

“I agree,” Cornelius also expressed approval.

Even these two senators, who usually opposed war the most, expressed agreement, so the others were even more likely to agree. The key was that after Davos left with the First and Second Army Corps, Thurii would be vulnerable, making them feel unsafe. With two new army corps, they felt much more secure.

“Lord Chief Magistrate, the number of soldiers for the new army corps is sufficient, but they don’t have unified new army corps weapons and equipment, and might not even have old-style equipment. You must know that these reserve soldiers are mostly preparatory citizens and registered freemen; they likely don’t have enough money to buy them,” Hieronymus reminded.

Davos thought for a moment and said, “You and Mesis convene Theos, the Army Corps Weapon Shop, and a few other weapon merchants, as well as the manager of the Cheiristoya Bank, to discuss a feasible way to solve the weapons and equipment problem for the new army corps soldiers, and try to achieve uniformity.”

“I understand,” Hieronymus replied simply.

Mesis then wailed, “More spending! More spending!”

At this, Kynogoratas said, “If war with Syracuse breaks out, it will be a war of enormous consumption, requiring gold and silver in all aspects. Therefore, I suggest that the Senate step in on behalf of the soldiers and reach an agreement with the weapon merchants. Let the soldiers buy weapons on credit, and after the war ends, they will repay with interest… I believe the credit of the Daonia Senate is still worth that money.”

“Lord Kynogoratas, your suggestion is excellent!” Mesis immediately became happy and said repeatedly, “As Daonian citizens, these weapon merchants should make such contributions to Daonia!”

“I don’t care how you solve the weapons and equipment problem for the new army corps, but you must not force them. Otherwise, Tritodemos will have a word with you,” Davos warned.

“The Chief Magistrate is correct. Citizens’ property is protected by the Alliance’s laws, and no one may infringe upon it!” Tritodemos issued a warning.

Mesis’s fat face spread into a smile as he said, “Don’t worry, Judge. As a senator and one of the noble Daonian citizens, how could I make such a mistake?”

Davos ignored him. He walked to the center of the assembly, stood straight, looked around at everyone, and inspired them with a passionate voice: “Gentlemen, the Daonia Alliance has achieved its current strength and prosperity in just a few short years, thanks to your efforts and dedication! Now, we face the greatest test since our founding. Syracuse—this Greek city-state that has dominated the Western Mediterranean for a century—stands like a great mountain before Daonia, not only blocking our advance but also trying to crush us! Senators of Daonia, elites among citizens, leaders of the people—are we willing to submit to this mountain and be smashed against it? Or will we bravely face it, overcome hardships, and climb over it?!”

“Climb over it, and the road ahead for Daonia will be smooth!”

“Defeat Syracuse, and Daonia will have no more powerful enemies in the Western Mediterranean!”

“Even if all Daonian citizens tighten their belts, we must defeat Syracuse!”

“Under the protection of Hades, any difficulty can be overcome, and any powerful enemy will eventually be defeated by us!”

…

The senators, united in hatred under Davos’s guidance, one after another expressed that they would fight to the death against Syracuse.

Just as the Daonia Senate received the urgent report from the Third Army Corps, the situation in Potentia had already changed. The Samnites, who had been gradually gathering soldiers, suddenly launched an attack on Potentian territory. Since Great Chief Puamot had already issued the order to “retreat into the city” to the Potentian tribes, the Samnites advanced unhindered with great speed, and some units even bypassed the city of Potentia and marched southward…